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Anyone take the lazy/expensive route to get HID headlights?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by joedirtae09, Mar 16, 2016.

  1. joedirtae09

    joedirtae09 Junior Member

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    Ive thought about getting a kit but it seems there are so many right/wrong ways to do it. I know this topic puts my manhood in question but sometimes its just easier to pay to get it done right.

    Anyone buy a complete HID setup off Amazon or some JDM site? By complete I mean, I just take off my bumper and remove the stock headlights and plug in the new ones.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 joedirtae09, Mar 16, 2016
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    JDM Prius G's HID headlights? If you are willing to spend the $$$s go for it.
     
    #2 xliderider, Mar 16, 2016
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  3. joedirtae09

    joedirtae09 Junior Member

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    Im not sure if the site was reputable but I saw a set for $500. How much do the JDM ones you're referring to cost?
     
    #3 joedirtae09, Mar 16, 2016
  4. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    why would it be easier to remove the bumper & put new headlights in instead of switching the bulbs (which are just connected to the ballasts)?
    but well, to each his own....
     
    #4 StarCaller, Mar 16, 2016
  5. joedirtae09

    joedirtae09 Junior Member

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    Slapping in HID bulbs wont really do much to the stock headlights, I'll need to do extra work which Im trying to avoid.
     
    #5 joedirtae09, Mar 16, 2016
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  6. Dylan Doxey

    Dylan Doxey Senior Member

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    I did the JDM G's headlights. I love them. But the JDM cutoff is not right for US roads. To do it right, even these lights need to be baked and modded.
    (see: G's headlight mod - RHD shield mod & Clear Lens swap | PriusChat )

    The short answer to your question is ... no. There is no convenient HID upgrade that is also excellent.

    The options as I know them:
    1. Plug'n-play H11 HID kit (XenonSupply, Morimoto) -- uses halogen projector
    2. Projector retrofit kit (i.e. Retro-Quick on retrofitsource.com) -- requires baking
    3. Home brew retrofit -- requires expertise and motivation
    4. Commission a set of custom lights from an experienced modder.

    Given you original question, I think the last option may be the ticket you're looking for.
     
    #6 Dylan Doxey, Mar 17, 2016
    joedirtae09 likes this.
  7. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    true/
    your word in god's ears.... :D

    sign up at http://hidplanet.com/ & they might be considering you their long awaited secondary coming of the messiahs/

    why you ask nething here if you know everything already??
     
    #7 StarCaller, Mar 17, 2016
  8. joedirtae09

    joedirtae09 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the extensive explanation, I feared it would take something along those lines to get the ideal setup. If only I lived on the west coast, I would pay you, buy you drinks, even sacrifice an animal to get the job done right.

    I guess I'll have to keep searching or wait for a gem to pop up in the member classifieds.
     
    #8 joedirtae09, Mar 17, 2016
  9. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    I put HIDs on my motorcycle. The biggest issue was buying a good brand. Install was a pain, but that's due to a limited amount of space to mount hardware.
     
    #9 qdllc, Mar 17, 2016
  10. Dylan Doxey

    Dylan Doxey Senior Member

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    I would not be the right guy to approach. But wouldn't mind making a few bucks on the side if I had the skills, space, and time. :)
     
    #10 Dylan Doxey, Mar 17, 2016
  11. A.Reyes

    A.Reyes Active Member

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    I did the retro-fit(baking and swapping projectors) after having morimito hid kit for 2 years or so. The true easiest way is H11 to H9 conversion
    Plug and play HID kit takes. Little longer
    Retro fit
    Or new JDM headlights and then retro fit because of beam
     
    #11 A.Reyes, Mar 18, 2016
  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Link for H11 to H9 bulb conversion is in my signature below. Link also for blocking the squirrel finder cutouts to reduce glare when using brighter bulbs (H9/aftermarket HID kits) in the stock projectors.
     
    #12 xliderider, Mar 18, 2016
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